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1973 Ford Galaxie 500

The '73 Galaxie 500: a big, comfy cruiser! It marked a shift towards softer styling, ditching the muscle car aggression of earlier years. A symbol of 70s Americana, it was reliable, spacious, and undeniably cool, though its massive size became less fashionable as the decade wore on. Think long hood, big chrome, and classic American lines.

All About the 1973 Ford Galaxie 500

The 1973 Ford Galaxie 500 is like a time capsule of American automotive history. This automobile captures the transformative spirit of the early 70s—an era of changing tastes and emerging preferences. Designed to meet new safety and emission standards, it was heavier and bulkier than its predecessors. Yet, it found a cozy corner in the hearts of those looking for a blend of utility and luxury during economic upheavals like the infamous oil crisis. Let's just say it was a car that made people smile, even when they were lining up for gas.

Photo of a 1973 Ford Galaxie 500

1973 Ford Galaxie 500 Models:

Select the vehicle's model to see the correct data for it.

How Much is Ford Galaxie 500 Worth?

Original MSRP :$3,735.00

Outstanding

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$16,400

Clean

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$11,400

Average

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$8,100*

Rough

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$4,500

1973 Ford Galaxie 500 Specs

Body Maker: Ford
No. Of Doors: 2
Model Number: 65F
Length: 219.5 inches
Width: 79.5 inches
Height: 53.5 inches
Wheelbase: 121 inches
Weight: 4,268lbs
Type: V8, OHV, Dual downdraft, Select-Shift Cruise-O-Matic automatic
Displacement: 351 cu. in.
Cylinders: 8
Bore And Stroke: 4 & 3 1/2 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 8.0 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 158@3800
Horsepower Rated: 51.2
Torque: 264@2400
Main Bearings: 5
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Motorcraft
Type:
25 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Second:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Third:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
Not applicable
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 2.75 to 1
Front: Independent ball joint with coil springs
Rear: Coil springs
Service Type: Power front disc, rear self-adjusting drum
Service Front Size: 11.72 inches
Service Rear Size: 11 inches
Emergency Type: Cable and conduit on rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 11 inches
Type: Regular
Wheel Size: 15 x 5
Tire Size: G78 x 15
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 22 Gallons
Oil: 5 Quarts
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting 3a58H100001
Total Digits:11
Digits 1:Model year
Digits 2:Assembly plant
Digits 3-4:Body style
Digits 5:Engine
Digits 6-11:Production number
All colors may not be available in all models., Light Blue, Medium Blue Metallic, Bright Green Gold Metallic, Medium Green Metallic, Dark Green Metallic, Medium Brown Metallic, Yellow, White, Ivy Glow, Ginger Glow, Gold Glow, Red Metallic, Blue Glow, Light Green, Medium Copper Metallic
Hardtop: Opt
400 Cu. In. V8 Engine: Opt
429 Cu. In. V8 Engine: Opt
460 Cu. In. V8 Engine: Opt
Power Windows: Opt
Air Conditioning: Opt
Power Brakes: Opt
Power Steering: Opt
Power Seats: Opt
Power Vent Windows: Opt
Radio: Opt

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History of the 1973 Ford Galaxie 500

The Ford Galaxie 500 of 1973 wasn't just about getting from point A to B. It was about doing it comfortably and in style! This model year marked a shift towards a more robust design, distinguishing it from the sleeker models of prior years. Changes to its suspension system, like the all-coil three-link system replacing the leaf-spring rear, meant it handled like a dream—well, as much as a car of its size could. It even got a nod in NASCAR for its full-size class performance.

Throughout its run, the Galaxie was tailored to meet federal safety and emission guidelines. Sure, it might not have shattered records for performance or fuel economy, but it did introduce features like towing packages that aligned with consumers' evolving needs.

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Famous Figures Who Own the 1973 Ford Galaxie 500

Bob Hope

Ever heard of Bob Hope? Of course, you have! This legendary entertainer, who brought laughter to millions over a career spanning decades, was among the notable figures to own a Ford Galaxie 500. For Hope, the car's blend of comfort, style, and that good ol' American design hit just the right chord. His ownership helped cement this vehicle's status in pop culture as an icon of its time.

While Bob Hope is one of the few publicly known celebrity owners, the appeal of the Galaxie 500 among high-profile individuals attests to its cultural significance and enduring charm.

Performance and Racing Legacy

Don't let the luxury fool you; the Galaxie stood its ground on race tracks as well. Earlier models, equipped with powerful engines like the FE series 352 and 390 V8, put up commendable showings in saloon car championships. When it came to racing, though, its hefty weight was something of a double-edged sword—offering stability but hampering speed.

Photo of a 1973 Ford Galaxie 500

Fun Facts about the 1973 Ford Galaxie 500

Did you know that the 1973 Ford Galaxie 500 was not only a favorite among families but also featured in music and film? It's inspired band names like "Galaxie 500" and even found mentions in songs by the Reverend Horton Heat.

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Explore Ford Galaxie 500 from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

Well, let's see... the '73 Galaxie 500, it's a real head-turner, you know? A few things really set it apart. Think of it like this: it's a classic American full-size car—think big, roomy, and comfortable. You'll notice the distinctive boxy styling, that's pretty iconic for the era; plus, the long hood and short deck design was all the rage back then. It's like a comfy sofa on wheels! And, depending on the trim level, it might have some snazzy extra touches, like fancy wheel covers or plush interiors. But yeah, the overall size and shape? That's what really screams '73 Galaxie 500.

Okay, so engine choices were pretty diverse for the '73 Galaxie 500. You had quite a few options; it's like going to an ice cream parlor with tons of flavors! There were several V8s, ranging in size from relatively small (for the time, that is) to, well, absolutely massive. A smaller 351 cubic inch V8 was available, though they aren't as commonly seen today. Think of it as the Goldilocks engine, not too big, not too small! Then there's the 400 and 429 cubic inch behemoths, those are real muscle car engines, you know, pure American power; and finally, at the top of the range was the legendary 460 big-block, the absolute king of displacement. So depending on the buyer’s preference – and their budget!– they had a nice variety to choose from.

Pricing a classic car is tricky, it's more of an art than a science, really. The value of a '73 Galaxie 500 varies wildly depending on several factors. Condition is king! A pristine, fully restored example will command a premium price; think top dollar. On the other hand, a car needing major work might sell for a pittance. Think of it like this: a fixer-upper versus a show-stopper. Other factors such as rarity of options, mileage, and overall originality also play significant roles. Seriously, condition is everything; you can’t ignore that. It's really best to check online classic car listings for current market value. That’s going to give you a better idea than anything I can tell you. I mean, the market changes so fast.

These old girls are cool, but, well, they're also getting up there in years; let’s be real. Like any classic car, expect some routine maintenance, and possibly some not-so-routine repairs. Common issues can include things like the braking system – those old systems need a bit of TLC; the electrical system—yeah, things can go wonky with age; and the suspension components, which can wear out over time. It's a bit like an old house; it needs regular attention, you know? And if you don’t keep up with things, it’ll start falling apart quickly! Plus, finding parts can sometimes be a challenge, but hey, that's part of the charm, isn't it?

Finding parts for a '73 Galaxie 500? You've got options! You can scour online retailers specializing in classic car parts; there are tons of them. Or, you could try local classic car parts suppliers, they are usually pretty well connected. Don't forget about junkyards, especially those specializing in older vehicles. Those are sometimes a treasure trove of parts, especially if you’re a bit mechanically inclined and don't mind a little bit of searching. It's a bit of a scavenger hunt sometimes, but that’s part of the fun; you never know what gems you might find! You’ll need to put in the effort, though. There are several online forums dedicated to Ford Galaxies; those are great for connecting with other owners who often share tips and resources on finding specific parts.